Conservation and Sustainable Food Growing in Michigan

Our podcast guest is Daniel Moilanen, a Fenton area native now living in Flint.

 Dan is currently the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD). His leadership in this organization brings conservation-minded farmers together to reduce toxic algal blooms in the Great Lakes by encouraging environmentally sound agricultural techniques.   

The Michigan soil conservation districts have been working to modernize farming practices to protect Lake Erie and its surrounding ecosystems. One key aspect of this effort has been implementing precision agriculture techniques, which involve using advanced technology to monitor and optimize crop production in real time.

One example is GPS-guided machinery, which allows farmers to precisely target inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, reducing the risk of over-application and runoff into the lake. Additionally, the districts have been promoting the use of cover crops and conservation tillage methods, which help to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

Another important aspect of this effort has been the development of nutrient management plans, which help farmers to optimize the use of fertilizers and minimize the risk of excess nutrients entering the lake. These plans involve working with experts to identify the most effective and environmentally friendly fertilization practices for specific crops and soil types.

Overall, these efforts have helped to improve the sustainability of farming in Michigan and protect the health of Lake Erie while also supporting the economic viability of the state's agriculture industry.

Dan is a graduate of Albion College. Recently, the Flint-Genesee Chamber of Commerce selected Moilenan as one of 40 Under 40 distinguished young community leaders.

Dan Moilanen has a wealth of experience in small business ownership, community service, and political engagement. He is the founder and former owner of Vehicle City Tacos, a popular downtown Flint food truck. His community and political involvement include serving as leader of the Genesee County Democratic Party and the Genesee County Young Democrats.

Dan is with us to discuss Michigan environmental issues like soil conservation and better and less harmful agricultural practices that help keep our water resources and wetlands free of harmful pollutants. Michigan is the second largest producer of agricultural commodities in the United States. Outmoded farming practices in Michigan threaten to deplete its rich soil over the next 60 years. 

In recent years Dan has continued his interest in music by performing with a SKA Punk Band in the Flint area.  We are sure you will find our guest fun and exciting and learn how important it is to protect our food and water resources through conservation.

Visit the Genesee County Conservation District website to learn more about Flint area programs and projects.  

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Chapters

• 0:00 Podcast Intro
• 1:27 Meet Dan Moilanen
• 3:10 Vehicle City Tacos
• 5:23 Being Part of Downtown Flint's Revitalization
• 7:59 Dan Shifts Toward Politics & Public Policy
• 9:12 How Dan Got Involved in Soil Conservation
• 11:00 All About Conservation Districts
• 13:47 Soil: Health, Issues & Conservation
• 18:43 Water: Health, Issues & Conservation
• 21:19 Labor Shortages & Other Looming Crises of Michigan's Agricultural Industry
• 23:45 Public Knowledge of Watersheds
• 25:33 What It Means to Be a Flintstone
• 26:42 What's Up Next for Dan's Punk Band The Write-Ups